Nelson City Council - Media Releases and News

Free food growing workshops return

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:30:34 +1300

The first free workshop for 2010 in the popular Nelson City Council “Create Your Own Eden” programme is on this Saturday.

Some places are still available on the ‘Food Growing on an Urban Section’ workshop, happening from 2pm to 4pm at Nayland College on Saturday 20 March. Nelson residents can take part in this Council workshop free of charge but as places are limited, registrations are still required.

Council’s Sustainability Coordinator Karen Lee says ‘The workshops are all about Council encouraging food growing and composting. We are working to make it as accessible and fun as possible. People are responding. We are finding more and more people are becoming interested in growing their own food and last year’s residents survey showed over half of us are now composting. These short, snappy workshops not only cover the basics but give a great free overview of how to take it to the next level and get the most out of your garden.’

To register for this or one of the April “Create Your Own Eden” workshops, call Nelson City Council on 546 0280 or email administration.support@ncc.govt.nz.

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More improvements for Tahunanui Reserve

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:55:00 +1300

Nelson City Council has appointed local contractor Oldfields to continue work on improving the road layout and pedestrian access at the Tahunanui Reserve.

This project builds on the work Council carried out last year to upgrade facilities at the Reserve.

The bulk of the work is to simplify the road layout around Natureland and improve access for pedestrians and cyclists. Residents and visitors will see several changes happening over the next few months.

A network of footpaths will run right through the reserve; connecting the new barbecue area footpath through to the skating rink car park and along the eastern side of Natureland to the Modeller's Pond area. Shared paths have been incorporated to provide off street cycling and several new speed tables will make it easier for pedestrians to cross roads.

The road north of Natureland will be opened to two way traffic while the road between Natureland and the Modeller's Pond will be closed to vehicle traffic but accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.

The car parks on both sides of the beach café have been redesigned to enable better pedestrian access and allow space for shade tree planting. More landscape areas will be created to allow better opportunities to plant trees and to provide better separation between cars and pedestrians.

Work is scheduled to begin on Monday 15 March and will be ongoing until mid June. Beach visitors should expect disruptions to vehicle access and parking during construction.

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Council discussing final changes to draft Annual Plan

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:37:00 +1300

Nelson City Council will meet early next week to finalise the draft 2010-2011 Annual Plan before it is released for public consultation at the end of this month.

Mayor Kerry Marshall says, “I expect there’ll be quite lively discussion on the finer details of the Plan before we finalise the draft for release. At this stage we are signalling a few additions, but basically it’s a steady-as-she-goes approach to the work plan set in our ten year Nelson Community Plan last year.“

“A clear message in the draft is the cautious approach we have taken to deliver as much as possible with a minimal rates increase. The proposed rates increase has been clawed back to around 6.5% from the 8.0% projected in the Community Plan. This could change depending on our discussions next week, however our intention is to keep any rate increase to a minimum, mindful of the continuing impacts of the recession.”

Mayor Marshall adds, “The future brings a great many challenges, but heading into next week’s discussion we retain absolute clarity on our priorities - delivering great value-for-money services to Nelson. It goes without saying progress is equally important to our community and development vital to our future.”

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Community Spirit Awards launched

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:07:00 +1300

Nelson City Council is taking the opportunity to recognise and reward our most outstanding residents with the Community Spirit Awards 2010.

Mayor Kerry Marshall says “From the many selfless volunteers in community groups and sports clubs, to our outstanding inventors, innovators and athletes, there are things happening throughout the community that put Nelson on the national and even the international map. The Community Spirit Awards are a way for Nelson City Council to celebrate those groups and people that enhance our wonderful lifestyle.”

The Community Spirit Awards will only be held every three years so the calibre of the nominees will no doubt be high and the judges’ decision tough.

The Awards are based on the Civic Awards of days gone by but have been redesigned to make them more accessible and relevant to wider sectors of the community.

Nominations are invited from Friday 26 February until Thursday 1 April.

Nominate can be for an individual or an organisation. Each nomination needs to be signed by two people. The criteria for the Community Spirit awards are wide open. Awards will simply be given for outstanding community service in Nelson, either in one specific area or across many different fields.

A judging panel made up of Councillors and community leaders will assess the nominations and choose this year’s recipients. The awards will be presented by the Mayor at a special ceremony at Civic House on Tuesday 4 May.

Nomination forms are available from the Council office in Trafalgar Street, from any of the three libraries or from the Council website.

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Moller Fountain Reveals its true Colours tomorrow

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:25:00 +1300

Haven Road’s Moller Fountain is set to reveal its new lights and water displays.

A loved feature since the 1940s, the fountain was drained before Christmas to allow the installation of a new microprocessor to control the timing and pattern of the display and service the water jets.

The shutdown was also an ideal time for a new paint job, with the local community pitching in to help.

Neighbouring Resene Paints provided the paint, Nelson North Lions Club volunteers helped Nelmac staff by taking to the brushes and another neighbour, Port Nelson, gave $3,000 towards the sandblasting and preparation of the fountain.

It will be reopened in a ribbon cutting ceremony at 12.30pm tomorrow by Nelson Mayor Kerry Marshall and a pupil of yet another neighbour, Auckland Point School. Seven year old Brearna Steckman will assist the Mayor.

The school has taken real ownership of the fountain opposite its grounds, with pupils making a variety of cardboard animals each year to ‘frolic’ amongst the annual daffodil display.

The fountain’s upgrade will mean improved water displays between 6am and 1am, and a much better light display at night. Before the upgrade only a third of the red, green and yellow lights were working and the broken ones have now been replaced.

The fountain’s new white and gold livery is a special two pot paint which seals against water and matches the colour scheme of the Queens Gardens fountain

Community work helps Nelson's heritage

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:38:00 +1300

Corrections Community Work Supervisor Jeff Starling and offenders serving community work sentences are playing a vital role in keeping Nelson’s heritage assets in good shape.

Nelson City Council welcomes their help in such places as historic cemeteries, public parks and Founders Heritage Park, and values the good working relationship with the Department of Corrections.

On Friday 19 February the workers will be digging in heritage trail markers at Wakapuaka Cemetery that have been marked out by Council Sexton Alistair Papps and Arts & Heritage Team Leader Debbie Daniell-Smith.

Jeff Starling says “The workers get a real sense of purpose with these projects, knowing that their efforts will be valued by the community for a long time to come.”

Alistair Papps agrees that their help on the markers project has been welcome. “Debbie and I have enjoyed the challenge of marking out the marker peg sites. As they have gone in, it has made it much easier to find your way around the cemetery. Some areas have been difficult to dig into and the community workers are doing a good job,” Alistair says.

Council is adding to the trails in the cemetery, building on the success of the Notable Women trail, and will be ready to launch some new cemetery trails during Heritage Week 18-25 April this year.

Debbie Daniell-Smith says “These trails are a real testament to the community all pulling together. Information for all the cemetery trails has been largely supplied by the local branch of the Genealogy Society and Nelson Historic Society, the markers were created by local service group Altrusa International, community workers are putting the markers in place and Council staff have pulled it all together with trail maps.”

Back up stories have gone on the libraries Prow website, which features stories from the top of the South Island. Council is also aiming to keep adding to the interesting heritage walks on the website for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.

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Singing the praises of Nelson Opera in the Park

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:33:00 +1300

Feedback from Saturday night’s Nelson Opera in the Park is reinforcing the free entry and new sea side venue as a winning formula.

Although attendance numbers are yet to be finalised, it’s expected the crowd number will break all previous records.

Nelson Mayor Kerry Marshall says what really impressed him was the programme catered to all tastes. “The audience was mesmerised by the performers and the magnificent sunset which framed the venue. A highlight for me was the tribute to Sealord, by Whirimako Black and Richard Nunns, set against a backdrop of images from previous Opera in the Park events. It was fitting to acknowledge the company’s support for 12 years.”

Sophie Kelly Nelson City Council Festivals Producer says despite a wet start to the day, the afternoon and evening were sublime for the show, which featured a varied line up of performers, proving popular across all ages.

“While there were some concerns before the event about car parking, there were still spaces available inside the secure area. Encouraging people to catch the free buses obviously worked well, and the team is now looking at the reasons why there were some delays with the pick ups at the end of the night.”

“The pack in pack out policy worked extremely well with the crowd accepting the responsibility and the total absence of rubbish bins, leaving only footprints at the venue.”

“The quieter fire works display in consideration of the animals at nearby Natureland still provided a spectacular finale as a backdrop to Ravel’s Bolero and were a fitting ending to a fabulous evening.”

Due to the success of Opera in the Park, new principal sponsor BioPaints has already committed to supporting the event again in 2011, with free entry.

Glamour comes to Go By Bike Day

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:03:00 +1300

Fashion tips will go hand in hand with cycling tips for Go by Bike Day on Wednesday 17 February.

This year as well as a free breakfast and some great giveaways for everyone cycling to work or school, fabulous frocks will be paired with safety helmets. Deputy Mayor Rachel Reese will be taking part in some cycle friendly stylish attire to show that cycling can be glamorous and there is no need to dress in “nowhere to hide” lycra.

“Just because you ride a bike doesn’t mean you can’t look good. And it’s fun, convenient and a healthy option for us individually and for our lovely city," Rachel says.

Transport and Road Safety Co-ordinator Margaret Parfitt says cycling should be the common place way of getting around our city and doesn't have to involve specialised clothing. Elsewhere in New Zealand a movement called “Frocks on Bikes” has sprung up which aims to raise awareness about climate change and using alternative transport. “Frocks on Bikes” was awarded the New Zealand Transport Authorities’ Best Cycling Promotion Award 2009. These groups hold regular organised rides as well as cycle skills and maintenance workshops for women. Margaret says skills training for new and returning cyclists is already available locally through Upcycle and these could be tailored to fit the needs of a Frocks on Bikes format if there was any interest in forming a local group.

Healthy breakfasts offering “fuel” to cyclists between 7-9am will be at the following locations:

RIDE Nelson (formerly BikeHQ), 29 Halifax Street, Nelson
R & R Sport, Cnr Rutherford & Bridge Streets, Nelson
Stewarts Avanti Plus Nelson, 114 Hardy Street, Nelson
Kelvin’s Cycles, 109 Rutherford Street, Nelson
Cycle Surgery, 675B Main Road, Stoke
Railway Reserve, near Broadgreen Intermediate, Stoke – hosted by Stoke Cycles
Village Cycles – Queen Street Richmond

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Rivers monitored for toxic algae

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:34:00 +1300

Nelson City Council is undertaking an ongoing monitoring programme on the look out for the blue-green algae that produces the toxin cyanobacteria. The presence of this toxin led to warning against swimming dogs in rivers last summer.

This is a naturally occurring toxic algae is always present in rivers during this time of year but can bloom to dangerous levels if the conditions are right (warm temperatures and low river flows). If this occurs algae can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals, especially dogs, which have been known to eat the algae.

Tests in Nelson rivers have detected the presence of toxic algae at very low levels, well below the Ministry for Environment guideline that requires further action, including erecting information warning signs. However algae blooms can proliferate quickly during periods of warm weather and low rainfall so warning signs will be posted at some swimming holes as a precautionary measure, to show what toxic algae appears like and what action should be taken to if found. Council monitoring will continue and public will be advised if there is a change in the algae alert level.

Download an information sheet about toxic blue-green algae (PDF@2MB)

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Extra tickets released for Opera in the Park

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:52:00 +1300

The huge popularity of this Saturday night’s Nelson Opera in the Park has led to the release of a further 5,000 tickets.

Nearly 15,000 tickets have been issued for the event, giving free entry to the new venue at the Tahunanui Domain. It’s the first year Opera in the Park has been free, thanks to the generosity of new sponsors, BioPaints.

BioPaints Business Manager Kathryn Barlow says they’re thrilled that so many people have taken up the opportunity.

“The response has been truly amazing. Tickets have been going like hotcakes and the energy and anticipation is really building. We feel privileged to have been able to contribute to what could be one of the biggest Nelson Opera in the Park events yet!” she says.

Organisers have finalised site plans and adjusted the ground capacity to 20,000. Although there is no ticket fee, entry can only be made on presentation of a ticket, due to security and safety constraints.

Nelson City Council Festivals Producer, Sophie Kelly, says once the extra 5,000 tickets have gone there won’t be any further opportunity to attend what promises to be a spectacular night at the new sea side venue. “If there are still some tickets left on Saturday they will be available from the gates. Listen out on your local radio station for updates on availability.

We also ask people who have tickets but may not be able to attend to return them to the outlet they got them from so every ticket counts”.

Gates open to Nelson Opera in the Park at 5.30pm with the performance starting at 7.30pm. There will be free buses available to and from the event, with the timetable printed in Live Nelson this week.

Tickets are available from:

BioPaints 70 Vanguard Street
Everyman in Bridge Street
both Nelson City and Tasman District Council offices
public libraries.

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Kai Festival all set for Waitangi Day

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:04:00 +1300

Kai Fest will be held for the second year this Waitangi Day, Saturday 6 February, with the Founders Heritage Park and Marae working closely together to present a range of traditional and international flavors.

“Waitangi Day is a great opportunity to strengthen relationships between the Marae and Nelson City Council while delivering a positive community experience” says Carol Hippolite of Whakatu Marae.

There will be many great features at this years’ event including the two Powhiri at 10.30am and 1.00pm, extended performance at two stages, arts and crafts, traditional massage and a great variety of international foods on offer made by families in our communities. The small portions of food are priced at $2.50 or $5.00 to encourage visitors to try a wide range of each. Entry to the Park for the event is by gold coin donation.

Maria Anderson, Facility Manager, Founders Heritage Park feels this is an event that supports many of Nelson City Council’s community outcomes. Celebration of Maori cultural values and the diversity of Nelson’s population is all part of being a fun, welcoming city that values its past and its present.

“Families who have a love for their traditional food have been invited to participate in this event. We have also invited local restaurants to be involved this year, as often the restaurants have a family or cultural link to food. Sharing of food brings people together in cultures all around the world.” says Ms Anderson.

To encourage participation Nelson City Council is enabling free buses to and from the event. A free SBL bus service is available at all the main stops from Stoke to Founders Heritage Park between 10am and 4pm on Waitangi Day. The bus route/timetable is as follows:

Stoke via Tahuna to Founders on the hour,
Founders to Stoke via hospital on the half hour,
First bus leaves Stoke at 10.00am and the last bus leaves Founders at 3.30pm

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First grain of sand to be poured at Trafalgar Park

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:44:00 +1300

The new turf at Trafalgar Park takes a step closer to the finish line Monday with the pouring of the first bag of recycled glass sand that forms the turf’s base.

Mayor Kerry Marshall has the honour of dumping the first grains onto the base of the existing soil at Trafalgar Park that makes up the ‘sand carpet’ through which grass will begin to grow in the coming months.

“I’m thrilled that Nelson is the first in New Zealand to use a recycled glass sand turf. I hope we’ve set an example about good, sustainable practice, but really it’s just the smart thing to do. Trafalgar Park will be an exceptional facility in many ways after this upgrade, but it’ll be leading the country with its terrific new turf.”

Recycled glass sand is an environmentally sustainable material because it is readily available and it doesn’t take away from existing natural resources of sand that are in limited supply. The amount used for the Trafalgar Park carpet turf equals approximately 7% of the glass recycled annually in the South Island.

Recycled glass sand has many advantages over regular sand:

readily available where natural sand is dwindling
can be manufactured to the exact grading required and, each year when a fresh top coat is applied to replenish lost sand, it can be manufactured to the exact gradient of the existing sand – near impossible to replicate with natural sand
saves money in years to come because adding the annual top coat to the turf will cost less with a readily available material

All but 5% of the sand is used for the ‘sand carpet.’ After, contractors will lay the seed and follow with the remaining sand on top. Over the next 20 weeks, the seed will burst into green growth that will look like a full grass turf and eventually root down four inches into the sand carpet.

Displays of the turf that’s being built are available on display at Civic House and the Elma Turner Library so residents can see how the turf is created and watch the grass grow through the sand carpet.

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Council welcomes extra funding for Trafalgar Park

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:32:00 +1300

Councillor Pete Rainey, Joint Portfolio Holder Community Services, has welcomed confirmation that central Government is committing $1.5 million to the Trafalgar Park upgrade.

Clr Rainey says “Council has recognised the importance of this project by committing $5.9 million to it over the coming years. This extra funding is not only a great bonus financially, it is also recognition from Government of the significance of what we are hoping to achieve. We truly welcome the support.”

The Government contribution of $1.5 million will be used for:

The construction of permanent media space within the front façade of the existing Trafalgar Park Pavilion
Upgrading the sports field lighting

Councils’ contribution of $5.9 million is financing the rest of the project as follows:

Upgrading the turf and drainage (currently underway)
Upgrading the pavilion
Adding an electronic scoreboard
Installing new toilets
Shaping the northern embankment
Replacing the perimeter fencing
Upgrading the entranceways
Replacing the turnstiles
Resurfacing of the footpath, kerb and channelling, and lighting on the western side of Trafalgar Street between Hathaway Terrace and QEII Drive
Formalising the hard stand on the southern side of Trafalgar Park
Developing linkages between the two stands on the western side and providing access to the turf from the stands
Artworks and landscaping

Clr Rainey says, “With the teams we’ll be hosting for Rugby World Cup 2011 now confirmed along with our games, we’re very pleased to already be on the way to creating a top class venue for our city.”

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Consultants appointed for traffic study

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:43:00 +1300

Nelson City Council has appointed a team comprising staff from MWH and an independent academic adviser to work with them on the arterial traffic study beginning in early 2010.

This is to be a comprehensive traffic study that will once and for all answer the tough questions about whether or not Nelson needs new roads and if so, where they should go.

The study will look at all the potential transport route options between Annesbrook and the City, including those options raised as part of the Nelson to Brightwater Corridor Study and then assess them from environmental, economic, social and cultural stand point.

With this in mind, MWH has assembled a team with expertise in all these areas. The company also has a good historic understanding of the transport challenges Council faces, having been involved with work relating to the Nelson to Brightwater Corridor Study since 2004.

The key MWH team members are as follows:

Phil Peet – Transportation Project Manager
Sylvia Allan – Resource Management Consultant
Stuart Woods – Transport Planner
Mike Copeland – Economic Impact Consultant
Dianne Buchan – Social Impact Consultant

Working alongside Council and the MWH team as an independent adviser will be Professor Alan Nicholson, Head of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering at the University of Canterbury and former Chair of the Institute of Professional Engineers - Transport section.

Council is delighted to have Professor Nicholson on board as his vast experience will be an asset to the project and he will provide a fresh and independent perspective.

The Study will be conducted in four stages with key information being released after each stage and many opportunities for input from the public and interested parties throughout the year.

A final recommendation is expected for consideration by Council in November 2010.

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Singers chosen from Nelson's got Talent

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:04:00 +1300

Three young Nelsonians will go before the biggest crowd of their lives as a result of the inaugural Nelson’s got Talent competition.

27 local singers auditioned last week for the opportunity to join the stars at Nelson Opera in the Park in February. Convenor Pete Rainey says the line up was so strong the judges decided to select three performers. Tenor Jason Chasland won the competition with his rendition of Bring Him Home from Les Miserables and will sing a solo at Opera in the Park.

“We were so excited at the level of talent in Nelson that we have invited two other singers to join our backing vocals group. Cain Duff and Jontee Bowater will join a group from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art,” Rainey said. “It will be a thrilling opportunity for them to sing with professionals and with an orchestral backing.”

Rainey said the overall standard of the performers was very exciting.

“It showed us the idea of Nelson’s got Talent has legs,” he said. “I can see this developing either as an event in its own right or as part of Opera in the Park each year.”

Competition winner Jason Chasland is a regular performer at the Playhouse theatre, he sang at the 2009 Montana WearableArt Awards, was guest singer with the Queensland Council Australia Gala and performed in the children’s opera Kia Ora Khalid. He receives a handmade piece of diamond encrusted jewellery, worth over $1000, which is being made for him by Paul Harris Jewellers.

Jason will join an esteemed line up of both opera and contemporary singers at the event. The company will include tenor Simon O’Neill, contemporary singer Hollie Smith, Whirimako Black, Anna Leese and the Vector Wellington Orchestra.

The latest singer to be added to the line up is Drew Neemia, the new host of C4’s Select Live, a popular star at Christmas in the Park five years running, and host of children's television

Tickets are now available for the event. Although entry is free for the first time, tickets are required to enter the fenced area and numbers are limited.

Tickets are available from:

BioPaints 70 Vanguard Street
Everyman in Bridge Street
both the Nelson City and Tasman District Councils
Public libraries

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New Chief Financial Officer appointed

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:19:00 +1300

Nikki Harrison has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer for the Nelson City Council.

A former pupil of Nelson College for Girls, Nikki is returning to Nelson with her husband and young family after many years working in Wellington, London and more recently Auckland.

Nikki says “I’m excited by the huge challenge and opportunity the job presents, and the chance to once again live in Nelson.”

Nikki has an Honours degree in Accounting and Finance from Otago University and 20 years experience in finance roles with the last seven years at a senior management level with Westpac Institutional Bank. Her most recent role was as Chief Operating Officer there.

Nikki will start in late January, replacing long serving Chief Financial Officer Chris Fitchett who moves from the role after 19 years in the position. Chris will remain with Council for a further two years to ensure a smooth transition.

Nelson City Council’s Chief Executive Keith Marshall says, “It was always going to be tough replacing someone with the commitment and calibre of Chris Fitchett so we are thrilled to welcome Nikki, confident that her experience and drive equip her for success in this demanding position. Prudent, smart financial management is the heart of Council’s obligation to our community.”

With 11 staff in the Finance team, the CFO provides strategic/operational advice and financial management systems to Council and senior management in support of prudent and effective management of the city’s finances.

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Three RWC 2011 teams to get sunny Nelson treatment

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:30:00 +1300

Nelson will host three teams during Rugby World Cup 2011: Italy, USA, and the Europe 2 qualifier.

The Italian team will stay in Nelson 21 nights over two stays from 2-8 September and 16-29 September. The USA team will stay four nights from 24-27 September, and the Europe 2 qualifier is staying two nights, 19 – 20 September.

Nelson Mayor Kerry Marshall says, “I’m ecstatic about today’s news that Nelson will welcome three RWC 2011 teams to our region. Tournament Organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd has worked very hard to engage and involve the entire country, and their decision today goes a long way toward achieving the goal of a ‘Stadium of Four Million.’”

Mayor Marshall says visitors following the three teams to Nelson will have plenty of time in between matches to experience all the wonderful things this region has to offer.

“Everyone, including the Italians, Americans and Europeans following their teams, is in for an incredible treat when they come to Nelson. There’s so much to do and see in our amazing city. Of course, during RWC 2011 there will be even more because we’ll be throwing a grand party right around the region to celebrate this once-in-a-decade event coming to our city.”

Nelson has tremendous visitor appeal, Mayor Marshall says, and visitors should make the time to stay for a few days to truly take in Nelson’s warm climate, arts community, and incredible outdoor activities.

“Once people have had their fill of Nelson city and surrounds, they need only go down the road to our neighbours in Tasman for an altogether different experience, especially in Abel Tasman National Park.”

RWC 2011 Nelson Steering Group Chair Aldo Miccio says it’s fitting that so many teams will be staying in Nelson since it is the birthplace of Rugby in New Zealand.

“We originally bid to host one team – now we’ve got three and it’s going to be triple the excitement for both visitors and residents.

“Our region is already gearing up to welcome the teams and Rugby fans. We’re planning heaps of fun things to do during RWC 2011. Italian fans will definitely find it feels like home here in Nelson where there’s a strong Italian heritage and community.

“And, while Rugby fans will find a lot to do here, with Nelson being the birthplace of New Zealand Rugby and with the games themselves, everyone will have a great time joining in on the bigger party atmosphere.”

Nelson is Host City for RWC 2011, with two matches on 20 and 27 September 2011 featuring all three hosted teams, as well as two Fan Zones and a festival of Rugby.

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Friday nights at Founders have even more to offer

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:20:00 +1300

The tradition of family Friday nights at Founders Heritage Park continues, despite the departure of the Farmers Market.

A new group of market enthusiasts has leapt at the opportunity to set up Friday Night Founders Market, offering a range of local produce. The market will include a local fishmonger, and intends to expand into local wines, cheeses, and other similar products. A number of stallholders from the “Twilight Art Markets” will be there as well, providing quality artworks for sale.

“The market is an important part of our village atmosphere” says Founders Heritage Park Manager, Maria Anderson. “Word is finally getting out to the Nelson community that entry to the Park is free for local residents every day of the week, however there is no doubt that Friday nights are the most popular time for locals to visit.”

Friday nights at Founders is based on a tradition established by the Duncan family over five years ago, with an invitation to friends and family to bring their own dinner (usually fish and chips) and join them for a beer around the café’s picnic tables. Dubbed Chefs Night Off, Friday nights attract many young families of Nelson who enjoy the markets on the village green, the playground, and wide open spaces for the kids, accompanied by a picnic or takeaways.

Friday Night Founders Market will be held every Friday from 3pm to 7pm, except Christmas day. Bookings are required for stall holders, with fees ranging from $20 - $35. Please, no second hand goods.

Founders Heritage Park is a Nelson City Council facility, providing both a visitor experience, and a community park for locals to enjoy.

Dun Mountain Rail walkway closed

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:06:00 +1300

Logging operations have led to the closure of the Dun Mountain Rail walkway until 22 December.

Manager Parks and Facilities, Paul McArthur, says alternative access to Third House and Classic/Fringed Hill is available via Red Woods and the Brook Camp tracks.

The walkway will open again on 23 December until 4 January 2010, but users are advised to keep a sharp eye out for falling debris in the area.

The part of the track affected is on private land, and sign posts advising of the closure will be put at the Four Corners and Tantragee ends of the walkway.

On 5 January the track will close again through until the end of March to complete the logging, which will actually occur across the walkway.

New talent on board for Heart of Nelson

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:42:00 +1300

Nelson City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of two new consultants to help with the implementation of the Heart of Nelson Strategy.

Isthmus Group has been appointed as Urban Design Consultant and Janet Bathgate takes on the role of Arts Consultant for the projects.

The Isthmus Group’s role will be to ensure that best urban design practices are used on the Heart of Nelson projects, paying attention to form and function and how each project is integrated with the existing landscape and infrastructure. Isthmus has a great track record of work around New Zealand including high profile projects like Kumutoto Wharf on Wellington’s Waterfront, the City Mall in Christchurch and the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway among many others.

The appointment of an Arts Consultant, Janet Bathgate, is part of the commitment Council made in the Nelson Tasman Regional Arts Strategy to incorporate an arts focus into Council projects. She will focus on identifying opportunities where art can enhance the project design, either on a large or small scale. Janet has worked with both Nelson City Council and Department of Conservation on many artistic and information based projects, such as the interpretation of the art on the Aratuna/Normanby Bridge.

Both appointees will get straight to work on the first two high priority Heart of Nelson projects, the Lower Maitai Pathway and the Pocket Promenade in Montgomery Square. Design work is underway on both projects and Council is in discussion with affected landowners. The first phase of construction on both projects is scheduled for completion prior to Rugby World Cup 2011.

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